Opatija, as Sankt Jacobi–Abbazia, was the most fashionable seaside resort for the elite of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, evidenced by many beautiful belle époque villas that still survive, including the seafront 'lungomare' and parks.
Hotel Quarnero, now Kvarner, was the first hotel along the Adriatic Coast. Built in 1884, it is considered the beginning of the tourism tradition in the area. It was the favourite winter residence of the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I and the Vienna Royal Family. Opatija's first guide was published in 1883 in Vienna with the title 'Abbazia, Idylle von der Adria'.
The town changed hands several times in the 20th Century - in 1920 it was assigned to Italy. In 1947 Opatija was given to Yugoslavia and most of the Italian-speaking population emigrated.
In 1963 the Hotel Adriatic was completed - the first hotel built in Opatija after the Austro-Hungarian era. At about the same time Casino Rosalia was opened in town - the first casino in Eastern Europe.
The Benedictine Abbey of St. Jacob was first mentioned in 1453. It gave the origin of its present name, Opatija (abbey' in Croatian)
Amateur footage, shot by a British family, transferred from 8 mm film. All rights to use acquired.
Opatija, Croatie (impressie)[2018]
Opatija (pronounced [ɔpǎtija]; Italian: Abbazia, German: Sankt Jakobi) is a town in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County in western Croatia. The traditional seaside resort on the Kvarner Gulf is known for its Mediterranean climate and its historic buildings reminiscent of the Austrian Riviera. The town is a popular summer and winter resort, with average high temperatures of 10 °C in winter, and 32 °C in summer. Opatija is surrounded by beautiful woods of bay laurel. The whole sea-coast to the north and south of Opatija is rocky and picturesque, and contains several smaller winter resorts. In 1947 Opatija was given to Yugoslavia as part of the peace treaty with Italy; most of the Italian-speaking population, whose percentage had substantially increased in the past years, emigrated to Italy. In 1963 the Hotel Adriatic, by the architect Andrija Cicin-Sain and his team was completed. Hotel Adriatic was the first hotel built in Opatija after the Austro-Hungarian era. The rooms of hotel Adriatic have been described as novelties in the hospitality industry. The Casino Rosalia was opened in Opatija – the first casino in Eastern Europe. In 1981 the Hotel Admiral and marina (200 berths and 40 dry berths) were completed. After the breakup of Yugoslavia which began in 1991, the town became part of Croatia.
Animation with Moe Flex on the maintown square [ wobble ] @Croatian Summer Salsa Festival